A Virtual Leap Forward And Real-Life Challenges: The Internet In Latin America

Abstract

Over the past decade, Internet usage in Latin America has taken a giant leap forward. While not as widespread as in the U.S., Europe, or some Asian countries, the virtual world has gained a strong foothold across the Western Hemisphere. It is now common to find Latin American created online businesses and a generally healthy number of online media outlets. The Internet community will only grow in the coming years, as cheaper IT hardware and greater wi-fi areas expand. In addition, regional governments are promoting computer and Internet literacy among their youth. Nevertheless, there are several challenges to the Internet in Latin America. Cybercrime and cybersecurity are obvious concerns, but so is uneven education regarding computer and Internet literacy among significant segments of regional populations. Given the lack of proper understanding of the Internet by Latin American citizens, governments are able to willingly, or unwillingly, pass legislation or carry out other initiatives that could cripple Internet freedoms.